STATEN ISLAND, NY - CASTLETON CORNERS - The skies were still dark on Saturday morning when William Ambio began hosing down the grounds of the Todt Hill Houses and setting up tables in preparation for a communitywide celebration.

Working since 4:30 a.m., Ambio was ready to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee as the event began around noon. By then, the smells of hamburgers, hot-dogs and chicken sizzling over hot coals filled the air of the city housing development, which marked its 60th anniversary this year.

Music echoed throughout the complex - first from a DJ, and then from KISS-FM, which broadcast at the event from 2 to 4 p.m. Rep. Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn), State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) and City Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) were expected to show up later.

A proclamation was also given to 90-year-old resident Susan Volpe, who has lived in the same apartment at Todt Hill Houses since 1955.

The event marked the first communitywide celebration under a newly elected board, led by President Sylvia Cunningham.

"This is a diverse development," Ms. Cunningham said. "We want us all to get along, to be a family."

Ms. Cunningham, along with vice-president Ambio, treasurer Donna Harvey and secretary Diane Perry, were all newly elected to the board this year.

Ambio, a 36-year resident, said the new board is working to make improvements to the 504-unit development, such as painting the benches outside, installing security cameras and possibly, a computer lab.

"I see a big change," said resident Doreen Williams. "Look at the magnitude of this event, the people who come out. It's about the kids."

Also at the event was Marquette Elliot, who led a "Shoot Hoops, Not Guns," basketball event at Todt Hill Park the previous weekend. When rain thwarted the second day of his event, instead of rescheduling for the following weekend, he encouraged the children and teens participating to come out and support Todt Hill Days.

"It's a great cause," he said. "A lot of what we do with our program is giving kids something to do. This gives them something to do. We support peaceful and positive alternatives to violence. Once they hear the music, one friend will tell another friend, and they'll all be out here."